ndagaʼ
/ǹ̩tɑ̀kɑ̀ʔ/
The English word 'no' is translated into Navajo as ndagaʼ. Wiktionary also lists dooda.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Ways to say it
| Navajo | IPA |
|---|---|
| ndagaʼ | /ǹ̩tɑ̀kɑ̀ʔ/ |
| dooda | /tòːtɑ̀/ |
In Navajo, the particle is used to express negation or to show disagreement with a statement.
Which one should you use?
While both forms express negation, dooda is a more colloquial or informal version of the word than ndagaʼ.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ǹ̩tɑ̀kɑ̀ʔ/
Did you know?
- In traditional Navajo culture, a direct 'no' is often avoided in favor of a soft explanation to maintain harmony and avoid conflict.
- The word ndagaʼ contains a glottal stop, a sound made by briefly closing the vocal cords, which is as much a consonant as 't' or 'k' in English.
- Because Navajo is a verb-heavy language, a 'no' is often expressed by adding a suffix to a verb rather than a standalone particle.
Examples in context
- Ndagaʼ, shash łigaiNo, the bear is white.This sentence shows how to use ndagaʼ to disagree with a description of an animal.
Example conversation
Kyle asks Amanda if she is finished eating.
- KyleDoo nishłééh?Are you finished?
- AmandaNdagaʼ, t'áá ááshį́į́h.No, I'm still eating.
- KyleDíí yínílíní?Do you want this?
- AmandaNdagaʼ, ahéhee.No, thank you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries ndagaʼ, dooda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
